Unit Tests are administered at the end of the unit and will be announced in advance. Students will have a review in class the day before the unit test and are given a practice test or study guide. A parent, with the understanding that a test is approaching, must sign study guides and/or practice tests. The practice test, study guide, and review session will let the students know exactly what is on the test; however, it is an expectation that students are spending adequate time studying for tests and quizzes at home. Quizzes will be given weekly to check for student understanding.

Projects

Students will be assigned projects throughout the year. A more detailed explanation and rubric for each project will be provided before the project is due. Although, students will have some class time to work on the projects, the majority of the project must be completed at home.

Homework

Homework is designed for students to practice and review the concepts taught in class.

It is also a way for students to discover problem areas within those concepts. Homework will be given for added enrichment at the teacher’s discretion or when classwork is not completed in class.

Classwork/Participation

Classwork/Participation is expected on a daily basis. This includes, but is not limited to, notes, vocabulary, flashbacks, centers, games, and exit slips. Part of being an active participant in the classroom is taking accurate notes, keeping materials organized, and using class time wisely.

Teaching Style

To enhance our social studies instruction, there will be a strong emphasis on student centered learning, including hands on learning, small group activities, and writing/explaining their understanding of social studies concepts.

Daily Materials:

Each day students are expected to come to class with all of the following: agenda book, S. Studies folder, and a pencil.

Questions or Concerns

I am here to help you whenever possible. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. You can email me at:

We have high expectations for a spectacular school year! With this being said, we want the very best from your child while he/she is in our care. The following acronym, HOW I ACT, outlines the rules/expectations we have established for students to uphold each day they are in our classrooms.

Honesty to others

Obeying classroom and school rules

Work completion

Involved in class

Attitude positive

Courteous to all

Talking appropriately

Rewards

Students choosing to be their best and display positive behaviors will be modestly rewarded. Rewards will be determined by teachers and/or administration.

Consequences

Students’ behavior will be monitored and tracked weekly*, and consequences will occur for students choosing not to follow our team behavior and expectation plan.

Procedures for such infractions are:

1st offense – Warning

2nd offense – Student receives one day of lunch detention.

3rd offense – Teacher will conference with student. Student will complete a behavior reflection sheet to be signed by student and teacher. Copy will be sent home for parent to sign.